CVS has lowered the prices on its store-branded menstrual products nationwide and in some states has begun paying sales taxes levied on period products, known as the "pink tax" or "tampon tax" by critics.
Effective Oct. 13, the drug-store chain lowered prices by 25% on CVS-brand tampons, menstrual pads, liners, and cups and as of Oct. 5 began paying sales taxes on menstrual products in 12 states:
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
CVS said it’s unable to cover the tax in other states because state laws prohibit third parties from paying sales taxes on behalf of consumers. The chain also is “working to help eliminate the tax nationwide,” according to its website. As of Sept. 20, 22 states impose taxes on menstrual products — often labeled as nonessential or luxury goods, according to the Alliance for Period Supplies.
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